Teacher Tech Highlights

Mrs. Paula Niklewicz - Preschool

Preschool uses technology in the classroom daily. We use our interactive Promethean boards for songs, games, letter practice and our science curriculum at My Big World with Clifford.The preschoolers enjoy taking turns using the pen for the interactive games on the board. Ipads are also available at certain times for the kids to practice numbers and letters, matching colors, learning about jobs and building with Legos.

Mrs. Michelle Doyle - KindergartenGreen Screen Creativity

In kindergarten students are introduced to a variety of ways that technology can be used to create and collaborate. One way that we do this is with the use of green screen technology. Through a few simple supplies and a colored background, students are able to visit various places around the world. In our reading program, our Superkid, Alf, likes to imagine going on adventures. Students are able to tell about their own imaginary adventures while standing in front of a picture of their adventure. On our Polar Express Day, the students are able to “visit” the North Pole. Students are even able to enter into their own artwork to tell a story or send a special message to their parents. We are able to share these special moments with our parents through Seesaw.

​Ms. Kaitlyn McNulty - Kindergarten

In my Kindergarten class, we use Seesaw. With Seesaw students can post things throughout the school year to send to their parents. We often send pictures, read stories, and show cool projects that we are working on at school.

Mrs. Ann Jandrists - 1st grade

In my classroom, one of the ways we practice important skills is through Osmo. Osmo is a gaming app that allows students to explore learning in a different way. Designed for children ages 5-12, Osmo has several components that can appeal to everyone. Osmo fosters learning in social-emotional skills, creative thinking, art, STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and coding as well as making and reading words. Words is used for spelling and practicing identification and blending of sounds. Numbers teaches counting, addition and multiplication. Tangrams teaches spatial relational skills and fosters creative thinking. Monster encourages creativity and helps students create stories. Coding teaches logic skills and problem solving. Pizza Co. helps students practice using real-world math, money, fractions and nonverbal communications skills. The students are engaged while having fun! More information about Osmo can be found at www.playosmo.com.

Mrs. Victoria Larson- 1st grade

I love to use an interactive program called GoNoodle. I am able to use the program in a whole group setting by using the interactive Promethean board in my classroom. This whole body movement program is used to boost productivity, improve behavior, and build community. There are breathing activities, chants, guided dancing and more. GoNoodle really gets students moving and keeps minds alert. Exercising increases blood flow and brings oxygen to the brain which helps with increased attention and memory, enhanced mood and the ability to cope with stress. GoNoodle can also be done at home at no cost to families. Simply sign up for a free account and enjoy the fun!www.gonoodle.com

Mrs. Susan Petri & Miss Maureen Crimmins - 2nd grade

Second grade uses a reading comprehension curriculum called ReadWorks that provides extra reading support through varied, high-interest fiction and non-fiction passages. This program helps our students build background knowledge, vocabulary, and reading stamina. Students engage in whole class reading lessons, small group work on a specific skill, or independent work. Articles can be assigned that include an audio narration feature so students can listen to the text on their iPads. This is particularly helpful in supporting struggling readers. Question sets are used for timely assessment and students look forward to getting feedback on how well we did as a class or how well they did on their own.

Mrs. Cindy Gallagher – 3rd grade Teacher

I continue to be amazed at the opportunities technology offers to our students. When students interact with digital tools, engagement in the learning process comes naturally.

In third grade, math instruction is based on the flipped learning, student-centered methodology. Math skills are taught through videos prepared by me that students complete for homework. These videos are accessed through the school website. Students can rewind, pause, and repeat these videos as often as needed.

The real power of flipped learning lies in what happens in the classroom the following day. Class time is spent in the application of skills learned from the videos the night before. Students work together in a socialized space and help one another through the process of problem solving and analysis. The flipped classroom allows me to spend more time differentiating instruction through enrichment and scaffolding. This program has been successful because of the ownership students have embraced in their learning!

Students in third grade learn how to use a variety of digital tools on their Chromebooks and IPADS. The following projects are examples of third grade digital stories using applications such as Adobe Spark and Wixie.

Third grade uses technology in many different ways. Our interactive Promethean board is used to introduce new skills, model skills, and play games to practice or review concepts. iPads are used to research topics, dig deeper into concepts we’re learning, play educational games, and complete assessments. Chromebooks are used to research topics, complete projects in science, social studies, and reading, write narrative essays, and complete assessments.

Mrs. Chris Murray - 4th grade

In my fourth grade class, I use Kahoot in various subjects I teach. Students enjoy answering the questions that are shown on the interactive Promethean board. They like to see how their scores improve with each question.

We also use Wixie to create a nonfiction book report project. Students write down facts and choose pictures that go with their story.

Students use Dance Mat Typing to practice their typing skills so they become proficient typists.

Some of the things we use our Chromebooks for are to to research various animals for our endangered animal reports and write poems and stories.

Students also enjoy GoNoodle.com for guided dance activities and breathing exercises. This is used when there is no P.E. class for the day.

Various websites we enjoy in science are Mystery Doug, Bill Nye, National Geographic, and YouTube for science songs.

Mrs. Susan Szeszol - 4th grade

Imagine visiting Tlingit and Haida Totem Poles in Alaska, the Washington Monument, or the Statue of Liberty and getting there in a blink of an eye! Students in 4th grade Social Studies are instantly transported to these places and others in virtual fieldtrips by using their Chromebooks.

As students learn about geography, they can determine migration distances and learn about birds species of each of the regions of the United States while watching live bird cameras on The Cornell Lab of Ornithology All About Birds site.

Students then have the opportunity to read additional information on the topics by selecting books from thousands of choices through Epic Online Books for Kids.

In 4th grade, technology is used in all of the subjects, including math practice and games, enhancing typing skills, etc. Technology has expanded student learning opportunities in fun and interesting ways.

Ms. Karolina Gicala - 5th Grade

Technology is a tool that is utilized in Room 206 on a daily basis. Whether typing journal entries, conducting research, or reinforcing reading skills, students can be seen using technology effectively. As an English teacher, a program that I use frequently is Hapara. When teaching students the writing process, Hapara is a great program that allows me to monitor students’ progress and give them quick feedback. These are only some of the numerous ways that St. Celestine students are immersed in technology.

Promethean Board: Through the use of our interactive board, weview videos that are curriculum-based extending comprehension, notes comprised of information through “sketchnoting” & PowerPoint presentations, online lessons available and accessible: PrometheanWorld.com.

Edpuzzle.com: 5th & 6th Science: We are experiencing a “FLIPPED” Classroom! We view videos & complete quizzes online for homework based upon curriculum that are created with Educreation, YouTube, and home videos.

Wixie.com: 5th & 6th Grade Science: “Wixified” notes on the Promethean with the inclusion of presentations & videos through sites and apps: PowerPoint, Google slides, Youtube.com. Note-taking has been raised to a new level!Notes created to be viewed ANYWHERE, eliminating the “pen to paper” notations, accessible at any time online.

Reading: Scholars create a year-long novel: genres of Literature for each chapter with the inclusion of text, illustrations, and voice: bringing the stories to LIFE!

Teacherdashboard.com: We complete research papers safely by controlling what we search on the web. We also have projects that are assigned through Hapara/Workspace with the inclusion of rubrics, sites, supplies, and expectations for research projects. We also write all term papers for reading so that we can edit live with the teacher without ever having to speak!

Padlet.com:ALL homework and notes to go home are posted daily for instant communications!

Gonoodle.com:We LOVE dancing! We use this for movement breaks to get up and get the blood flowing!

Socrative.com:We complete all reading, science, and religion tests through this online program.

Quizlet.com:We complete all vocabulary quizzes online.

Classdojo.com: This is used as a “behavioral guideline” to provide positive feedback and quick notes to guardians. We also post photographs and videos from class!

Kahoot.com:Used as a study guide for a quiz, or, to simply “play” for a change in curriculum.

Plickers.com: These cards are used as a way to check in with scholars about their day, to take polls, or a quick “exit slip” to check understanding.

Spelling.com:We use this site to practice our spelling words in class or at home!

Khanacademy.com and Splashmath.comThese sites are used for additional assistance in math that can be used in class or at home!

Tynker.com: We learn how to “Tynker” with coding: Certified Trainer: Sylvan Learning

Ms. Dina Niemczyk - 6th grade

Technology is used in a variety of ways in Room 213. Here is one example. In 6th grade, we receive Storyworks Magazine from Scholastic, which also includes a website students can access with a classroom password. The website contains multiple resources for each story or article we read. Both the website and the password are posted on my Padlet at all times: https://padlet.com/dniemczyk/celestine213. Along with being able to view a digital copy of the story we are reading, students and parents can also find differentiated levels of each story to aid in comprehension and understanding for all learners. Each story also contains a short video for students. Sometimes the videos include new vocabulary terms, and sometimes the video shows the method an author uses to gather information before writing an article or story.

Ms. Alyssa Russo - 6th grade

The use of technology is implemented in a multitude of ways in my classroom. I use Hapara Workspace to create novel studies with resources available to students 24/7. I also use Harpara Highlights daily for assigning and correcting student assignments. Lastly, I use many math websites such as IXL and Khan Academy to enrich my math lessons.

Mrs. Cindy Hamilton - 7th grade

Technology is used daily within our classroom to enhance the students' learning and organization skills. Student assignments, reading materials, and other important information are frequently placed in their Hapara homeroom class folders as well as 7th and 8th science folders. The students complete the assignments and submit them back to me for review and grading.

We also use interactive websites and presentations on the Promethean board daily as it is an amazing visual and audio source for the students. The board also allows a whole group introduction to reference information for their homework and ongoing assignments. The student Chromebooks are used as a research tool as well as a presentation tool in every academic subject.

Mr. Paul Howell - 7th grade

The use technology is a daily occurrence in 7 th and 8 th grade English class. Class often begins with students writing in their journals about a prompt that comes from our interactive Promethean board. When it is time to review for a quiz or a test, I will use the Kahoot website. This site allows me to create my own interactive quiz with different videos and images. The class is engaged in an informative activity that helps reinforce concepts and ideas. Hapara is another useful tool when students are writing essays. Through this site I am able to monitor students’ progress, supervise the websites they visit when doing research, and provide helpful feedback and insights into students writings, all in real time.

Mr. Sean Creagh - Junior High Social Studies

8th grade website development assignment -

In 8th grade World Geography students develop their own individual website based around the idea of creating their own Micronation. The assignment which is carried out one day a week over the course of the year encompasses many different aspects of what is learned throughout the year. At the end of the assignment students will develop their own podcast to complement their website.

7th grade website development assignment -

Students choose a topic from the time period of the Civil War to the modern day War on Terror. Once a topic has been chosen students will develop a thesis and research supporting arguments that will include images and video as well as written arguments. At the end of the year students will then create their own podcast to complement the project. Students will work on the assignment once a week for most of the year.

The benefits of having students develop their own website are many.

The learning experience for the student is personalized. Students take personal ownership of the websites as it is their own creation.

Carrying out research gives students instant access to knowledge through the process of research.

Students get to express their own preferences in the topic they choose and how they choose to present it.

Developing their own websites promotes skills such as critical thinking, independent research and technological proficiency.

The assignment promotes a blended learning environment. As well as formal direction and instruction students will in part have personal control over their assignments such as content and other creative aspects. This promotes personal responsibility.

Proven student engagement. It has been proven through research that assignments such as student website development keeps students focused longer and makes them more excited to learn.

Mrs. Maureen Detty - 8th grade

Room 202 of the eighth grade researches the news on the internet. The students research articles from specific newspapers and write summaries of the articles to report findings back to the class. We categorize news into breaking, sports-related, global, local and others to find out about the world around us. There is a lot of enjoyment in learning taking place.

Ms. Donna Vessini - Art

While as an art class, “on a budget”, we may not have the luxury to physically travel to the finer art museums of the world. However, by way of the internet, in mere seconds, we can fly first class and become budding and valued art connoisseurs.

Be it locally at our very own Art Institute of Chicago, where you will without a doubt, “get the point” as you take in the breathtaking, “dotted-wonder” formally known as La Grande Jatte by Georges Seurat.

Traveling to the artist, Jackson Pollock’s, studio in Long Island, New York, is yet another virtual field trip! Did you know Pollock came up with his very own style consisting of drips, drops and splatters? These applications were not random yet instead, well intended. A positive rhythm and free flowing spirit accompanied each and every, energetic piece. Who would have guessed what looked like an accidental spill was really modern art? It is here, in his studio, where students can actually see the artist in motion applying his trademark “spills” (hence his nickname, Jack the Dripper).

In the mood for a little “Renaissance-Genius” we can travel back in time to the neighboring town of Vinci, Anchiano, Italy (Leonardo’s actual birth place) and delve into the mind of one of the world's most renowned scientist, mathematician, and artist that you will ever meet, Leonardo Da Vinci. This is not to dismiss the pure genius of Da Vinci’s fellow artisan, Michelangelo.

Regardless of the fact that Michelangelo viewed himself as an insecure artist, the world knew better. He made the art of sculpting look easy as he effortlessly chiseled his way to absolute perfection! It was his unwavering belief that the actual sculptures had always resided deep within the Carrera marble; it was just his job to free the forms from the massive blocks of stone. Though perhaps a bit dismissive of his own greatness, Michelangelo’s masterful works speak for themselves!

These are but just a few stops on our ever evolving quest to familiarize ourselves with the fine arts. By immersing ourselves, on a frequent basis, with the history as well as techniques as a class, we will attempt to get to the “ART of the matter” as we set our sights on some of the world’s most eclectic and refined collections available to mankind.

Mrs. Elizabeth McLean - Spanish

I use technology in my lessons every day by projecting the lessons on the interactive Promethean board. I also have students come up to the board to practice what we learned and to correct each other's mistakes. We also watch videos about the culture of the country we are studying or a famous person from a particular country, especially in Spanish Club

Mr. Craig Kamptner - Music

Music is currently being taught through the trial use of a program called Quaver Music for all grades. This program enhances the children's knowledge of reading notes to keeping a steady beat to singing a song. The interactive Promethean board allows for projection of the notes and words so that students can sing along.

Mrs. Maureen Murphy - Technology

One of the highlights in the technology center for me is to be able to introduce andbuild coding skills with students in kindergarten through eighth grade. They are always eager and willing to learn and understand. In a world of acronyms, these developmental skills foster the 4Cs - Creativity, Computational Thinking, Collaboration, and Communication; 4Ps to Success - Passion, Patience, Persistence, Perseverance; and I’m sure there are more.

I believe students enjoy learning to code because they are curious, have fun solving puzzles, and work to strategically plan their next moves, coming up with multiple solutions to the same problem, and more. Students especially like to collaborate, to work with others to discuss how to solve puzzles and find the best solutions to problems. It is fun for me to sit back and watch them throw ideas back and forth until they get the solution that works the best. They learn persistence. They keep going at it and just won’t give up, especially with a little help from a friend.